Beta-Hydroxy Acids (BHA)
Beta Hydroxy acids are part of the family of aromatic
acids. That means that this acid is
foreign to the body and has an immediate effect on the skin.
The most common BHA is salicylic acid. This acid is highly keratolytic, which means
that it will dissolve or break down the outer stratum corneum, the top layer of
skin that is constantly regenerating. It
can only go one layer at a time, so repeated applications are necessary to
achieve the maximum results.
Flaking of the skin is often associated after the use of
some salicylic acid applications. The
acid has broken the bond of the outer most parts of the stratum corneum and the
dead skin cells are falling away. This
acid works particularly well for individuals who suffer from acne. As the stratum corneum sloughs off dead skin
cells, these cells get stuck in hair follicles and plug the opening. Bacteria begin to grow in the follicle and
causes inflammation in the surrounding tissue.
Salicylic acid helps to clear off the dead skin cells before they can
get stuck.
Salicylic acid is also soluble by lipids, the natural fats on the skin. This is especially helpful for the individual with acne, who tends to have more oil production. Salicylic acid will help dissolve and remove excess oils from pores and off of the surface of the skin.
How you can use Salicylic Acid to benefit your skin
Professional application of salicylic acid will speed up the natural process of skin regeneration by removing the outer layers of dead cells. We recommend an in office chemical exfoliation with our Esthetician. Our Sal-Ex 20% peel will do the trick!
Continue the exfoliation at home with quality skin care product from Dermalogica and Glymed. Dermalogica offers several items with salicylic acid: Clearing Skin Wash, Daily Microfoliant, and Superfoliant. Glymed offers Skin Astringent #5 and #10, and Sal-Ex Exfoliating Cleanser.
All services and products are available in our office.
208-528-6653
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